When the unthinkable happens, and society crumbles, the ability to quickly and efficiently evacuate to a safer location, known as bugging out, could be the difference between survival and succumbing to chaos. Bugging out isn’t a simple walk in the park; it requires meticulous planning, the right gear, and a resilient mindset. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare for and execute a successful bug out when SHTF (Stuff Hits The Fan).
Assessing the Situation and Making the Decision to Bug Out
The first and most crucial step is accurately assessing the situation. Panicking and immediately fleeing isn’t always the best course of action. Take a deep breath and gather information. What is the nature of the emergency? Is it a natural disaster, a societal collapse, a pandemic, or something else entirely?
Knowing the enemy is half the battle. Understanding the specifics of the threat will dictate the resources you need and the route you should take. Listen to official news broadcasts, monitor reliable online sources (if available), and observe the behavior of your neighbors and community.
Delaying the bug out for too long can be fatal, but so can leaving prematurely. Consider the potential risks of staying versus the dangers of traveling. Are you safer in your current location, or is the situation likely to deteriorate rapidly? Can you hunker down and ride out the storm, or is evacuation your only viable option?
Factors to consider include: the availability of food and water, the security of your home, the presence of civil unrest, and the potential for long-term disruption of essential services.
A pre-determined trigger point for evacuation is crucial. This could be anything from widespread looting to a complete communications blackout. Establish these triggers in advance so you don’t have to make a difficult decision under duress.
Planning Your Bug Out Route and Destination
Once you’ve made the decision to bug out, time is of the essence. Your pre-planned bug out route and destination will be your lifeline.
Choose multiple routes. Never rely on a single route, as it could be blocked by debris, traffic, or hostile individuals. Identify at least two alternate routes, ideally with varying terrain and levels of traffic.
Prioritize less traveled roads and trails. Highways and major thoroughfares will likely be congested, making you an easy target. Back roads, logging trails, and even hiking paths can offer a safer and more discreet passage, though they may also be more challenging to navigate.
Scout your routes in advance. Drive or hike your planned routes to identify potential obstacles, bottlenecks, and resupply points. This firsthand knowledge will be invaluable when you need to navigate under pressure.
Your bug out location (BOL) should be a pre-determined, secure location that offers long-term sustainability.
Consider the following factors when selecting your BOL: access to clean water, availability of food sources (hunting, fishing, gardening), defensibility, proximity to other people (depending on your preference for community or isolation), and the availability of shelter.
Your BOL should be equipped with essential supplies such as food, water, medical supplies, tools, and weapons. Caching supplies along your planned route can also be a smart strategy, providing you with resupply points in case of emergency.
Assembling Your Bug Out Bag (BOB)
Your bug out bag (BOB), also known as a go-bag, is a portable survival kit that contains everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours. A well-stocked BOB can provide essential resources during a bug out situation.
The contents of your BOB should be tailored to your specific needs and the environment you’ll be traveling through. However, some essential items should be included in every BOB.
- Water: At least 3 liters of water per person, or a water filter and purification tablets.
- Food: Non-perishable, high-calorie foods such as energy bars, dried fruit, and canned goods.
- First-Aid Kit: A comprehensive first-aid kit with medications, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Shelter: A tent, tarp, or sleeping bag for protection from the elements.
- Navigation: A map, compass, and GPS device.
- Fire Starter: A lighter, matches, or fire starter kit.
- Tools: A knife, multi-tool, and duct tape.
- Lighting: A flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
- Communication: A two-way radio or satellite phone.
- Self-Defense: A firearm or other weapon for protection.
- Clothing: Extra sets of clothing, including warm layers and waterproof gear.
- Hygiene: Toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer.
Remember to personalize your BOB to meet your individual needs. Consider factors such as your age, physical condition, and any medical conditions you may have. Don’t forget essential medications and any specialized equipment you may require.
Test your BOB by carrying it on a practice hike. This will help you identify any missing items or areas where you can lighten the load.
Store your BOB in an easily accessible location so you can grab it quickly when the time comes to bug out.
Securing Your Home Before You Leave
Before you abandon your home, take steps to secure it against looters and other threats.
- Lock all doors and windows. Reinforce weak points with plywood or boards.
- Turn off the gas and water. This can prevent leaks and explosions.
- Unplug electrical appliances. This can prevent fires.
- Move valuables out of sight. Hide them or take them with you.
- Leave a note indicating that you have evacuated. This can deter looters from wasting time searching your home.
Documenting your belongings with photos or videos can be helpful for insurance purposes. If possible, notify your neighbors that you are leaving.
Navigating and Surviving on the Move
Bugging out isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s about surviving the journey.
Travel in small groups, if possible. This provides added security and support.
Maintain situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings and potential threats. Avoid populated areas and stick to less traveled routes.
Conserve your resources. Ration your food and water carefully. Avoid unnecessary physical exertion.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with contaminated water or food.
Be prepared to defend yourself. Carry a weapon and know how to use it. Be prepared to use force if necessary to protect yourself and your group.
Communicate effectively. Use hand signals or two-way radios to communicate with your group.
Stay positive and maintain a resilient mindset. Bugging out is a stressful and challenging experience. Staying positive and focused on your goal will help you overcome obstacles and survive.
Long-Term Survival at Your Bug Out Location
Reaching your bug out location is only the first step. You’ll need to establish a sustainable lifestyle that will allow you to survive long-term.
Secure your perimeter. Set up defensive measures to protect yourself from intruders.
Establish a reliable water source. Collect rainwater, dig a well, or locate a natural spring.
Develop a food production system. Plant a garden, raise livestock, or learn to hunt and fish.
Practice good hygiene and sanitation. This will prevent the spread of disease.
Maintain your physical and mental health. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and stay connected with your community (if applicable).
Develop essential skills. Learn how to repair equipment, build shelters, and treat injuries.
Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. The world may be very different after SHTF. Be prepared to adjust your plans and strategies as needed.
Bugging out is not a guarantee of survival, but it can significantly increase your chances of making it through a catastrophic event. Careful planning, the right gear, and a resilient mindset are essential for success. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of weathering the storm and building a new life in a changed world.
What is a “bug out bag” and what essential items should it contain?
A bug out bag, also known as a “go-bag,” is a portable survival kit designed to help you survive for 72 hours (or longer) when evacuating from a disaster. It’s a pre-packed collection of essentials that will sustain you until you can reach a safer location or the emergency subsides. Prioritizing lightweight and versatile items is key for efficient mobility.
Essential items include water (at least 3 liters per person), non-perishable food (enough for 72 hours), a first-aid kit, a survival knife, a fire starter, shelter (a tent or tarp), a map and compass (or GPS device), a flashlight with extra batteries, and personal hygiene items. Also consider important documents, cash, and any necessary medications.
How do I choose the best bug out location for my family?
Selecting a suitable bug out location requires careful consideration of various factors. It should be a location that is relatively safe from the initial disaster and any potential fallout, easily accessible yet somewhat remote, and possess essential resources like water and shelter. Family familiarity with the location is also a key advantage.
Ideally, your bug out location should be outside the immediate impact zone of potential disasters affecting your area. Consider factors like accessibility during different weather conditions, the presence of natural resources (water sources, edible plants), and security. A location known to your family members will reduce stress and improve coordination during an emergency.
What strategies can I use to secure my home before bugging out?
Securing your home before evacuating can help protect your property and belongings from looting or further damage. This involves simple steps like securing windows and doors, disconnecting utilities, and making your home look occupied, if possible, to deter potential intruders. Prioritizing these steps can reduce the impact of the disaster on your personal property.
Before leaving, lock all windows and doors securely. Turn off the main water valve and electricity to prevent further damage from leaks or electrical fires. If possible, leave a light on a timer to simulate occupancy. Also, inform a trusted neighbor (if possible and safe) about your departure and expected return.
How can I effectively plan and practice a bug out route with my family?
Planning and practicing a bug out route is crucial for a successful evacuation. The route should be well-researched, taking into account potential obstacles and alternative paths. Regular practice drills will familiarize family members with the route and ensure a coordinated and efficient departure.
Map out your primary and secondary routes, considering road conditions, potential bottlenecks, and alternative trails. Conduct regular drills with your family, including packing bug out bags, navigating the route, and practicing communication protocols. Adapt the plan based on feedback from these practice runs and changing circumstances.
What are some alternative food sources I can rely on if my supplies run out?
While a well-stocked bug out bag is essential, knowledge of alternative food sources can significantly increase your survival chances if your supplies run low. Learning to identify edible plants, trapping small animals, and fishing are valuable skills to acquire. Always exercise caution when consuming wild foods, as misidentification can be dangerous.
Research edible plants native to your bug out location and learn to identify them with certainty. Practice setting up simple traps for small animals and acquiring basic fishing skills. Remember that foraging requires time and energy, and always prioritize conserving your existing supplies before relying on alternative sources. Boil or purify any water source before consuming it.
How important is physical fitness when preparing to bug out, and what exercises are recommended?
Physical fitness is extremely important for successfully bugging out. Evacuation can be physically demanding, requiring you to carry a heavy pack, hike long distances, and overcome obstacles. Being in good physical condition will significantly increase your endurance, strength, and overall survival capabilities.
Focus on exercises that build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups will help you carry heavy loads. Cardiovascular exercises like running, hiking, and swimming will improve your endurance. Stretching and yoga can improve flexibility and prevent injuries. Regularly incorporating these exercises into your routine will enhance your ability to handle the physical demands of a bug out situation.
What communication strategies should I consider when cellular networks are down?
Reliable communication is vital during a disaster, but cellular networks are often unreliable or non-functional during SHTF scenarios. Therefore, having alternative communication strategies is crucial for staying connected with your family or coordinating with others. Planning ahead can facilitate safer outcomes.
Consider investing in a two-way radio or a ham radio for reliable communication over short to medium distances. Learn basic radio communication protocols and establish designated frequencies with your family or group. Explore the use of signal mirrors or pre-arranged meeting points as alternative communication methods when electronic devices are unavailable. Preparedness enhances overall survivability.